The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of ₱17.27 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd) to accelerate the construction of nearly 5,000 classrooms nationwide.
Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo signed the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) on April 13, 2026, earmarking funds for 4,960 new classrooms. The allocation also covers school furniture and fixtures to ensure readiness for immediate use.
The release is sourced from the ₱85.4 billion Basic Education Facilities (BEF) Fund under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
According to the DBM, the investment is a crucial step toward eliminating the classroom shortage and providing a “safe, conducive, and dignified” learning environment.
This initiative forms part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Nationwide Classroom Building Program, which highlights collaboration between DepEd and Local Government Units (LGUs) to streamline construction and repair of educational infrastructure.
“Through this whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, the administration aims to ensure that no learner is left behind due to distance, poverty, and the lack of classrooms,” the DBM stated.
The move follows a recent agreement between DepEd and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast-track building projects. The government is currently addressing a classroom deficit exceeding 144,000 units.
By decentralizing efforts through LGUs and ensuring timely fund releases, the administration aims to respond more effectively to the needs of the growing student population.